Self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system for electronic modules with features for robotic assembly

ABSTRACT

A self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system for an electronic module comprises a mechanical mount assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to a base frame and defining a mount connection position assurance (CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein, and an electrical connection assembly configured to be integrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly and comprising a modular electrical connector (i) being electrically connected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii) defining a connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electrical connector with a corresponding electrical connector integrated into or attached to the electronic module when the electronic module is secured in the mechanical mount assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/128,328 filed Dec. 21, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/956,884, filed on Jan. 3, 2020. Thedisclosure of these application are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to automotive electricalsystems and, more particularly, to a self-aligning mechanical mount andelectrical connection system for electronic modules with features forrobotic assembly.

BACKGROUND

An electrical system can comprise a plurality of electronic modules(e.g., controllers or control units) that are each configured to monitorand control a set of corresponding devices. For example, a plurality ofelectronic modules could be installed in distinct zones or areasrelative to a base frame (e.g., a bottom or floor frame) of anelectrified vehicle. Automated installation of these electronic modulesby a robotic installer may be preferable to manual human installationdue to increased speed and decreased costs. When installing anelectronic module, however, there are typically a large number of wirecables that need to be connected thereto, which can be both complex andtime consuming. For example, these wire cables may need to not onlyconnect the electronic module to the respective devices that itmonitors/controls, but they may also need to connect the electronicmodule to at least some of the other electronic modules (e.g., otherelectronic modules in the electrified vehicle). In addition, theseelectronic modules may need to be physically secured to minimize oreliminate potential damage due to physical vibration while alsodissipating excessive heat energy. Accordingly, while conventionalelectronic modules and their methods of installation work well for theirintended purpose, an opportunity exists for improvement in the relevantart.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a self-aligningmechanical mount and electrical connection system for an electronicmodule is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the systemcomprises a mechanical mount assembly configured to be integrated intoor attached to a base frame and defining a mount connection positionassurance (CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronicmodule therein, and an electrical connection assembly configured to beintegrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly andcomprising a modular electrical connector (i) being electricallyconnected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii) defining aconnector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electrical connectorwith a corresponding electrical connector integrated into or attached tothe electronic module when the electronic module is secured in themechanical mount assembly.

In some implementations, the base frame is a bottom or floor frame of anelectrified vehicle and the electronic module is configured to bevertically installed by lowering the electronic module into themechanical mount assembly until it is secured therein by the mount CPAfeature. In some implementations, the electrical backbone wire cablecomprises at least power wire cables and data wire cables, and whereinthe electrical backbone wire cable is a substantially flat wire cablerunning along the bottom or floor frame of the electrified vehicle.

In some implementations, the system includes a plurality of electricalbackbone wire cables, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality ofelectrical backbone wire cables are directly connected to each other viaa bypass system such that power or data circuits unneeded by theelectronic module bypass the electronic module. In some implementations,each modular electrical connector is positioned in an upward directionsuch that the corresponding electrical connector integrated into orattached to the electronic module is vertically installable therewith.

In some implementations, the mechanical mount assembly is formed ofsheet metal and is integrated into a sheet metal portion of the bottomor floor frame of the electrified vehicle. In some implementations, thesystem further comprises a set of heat transfer devices configured totransfer heat energy away from the electronic module. In someimplementations, the set of heat transfer devices are a set of one ormore heat transfer pads that transfer heat energy from the electronicmodule to the sheet metal portion of the bottom or floor frame of theelectrified vehicle.

In some implementations, the electronic module defines a set of one ormore robotic installation features that are configured to be interactedwith by an end effector of a robotic installer to lower the electronicmodule into the mechanical mount assembly until it is secured therein bythe mount CPA feature. In some implementations, the electronic module isremovable or configured to be freed from the mechanical mount assemblyusing a special physical tool controlled by a human technician or therobotic installer.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofmechanically mounting and aligning and electrically connecting anelectronic module is presented. In one exemplary implementation, themethod comprises providing a mechanical mount assembly configured to beintegrated into or attached to a base frame and defining a mount CPAfeature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein,and providing an electrical connection assembly configured to beintegrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly andcomprising a modular electrical connector (i) being electricallyconnected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii) defining aconnector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electrical connectorwith a corresponding electrical connector integrated into or attached tothe electronic module when the electronic module is secured in themechanical mount assembly.

In some implementations, the base frame is a bottom or floor frame of anelectrified vehicle, and the method further comprises verticallyinstalling the electronic module by lowering the electronic module intothe mechanical mount assembly until it is secured therein by the mountCPA feature. In some implementations, the electrical backbone wire cablecomprises at least power wire cables and data wire cables, and whereinthe electrical backbone wire cable is a substantially flat wire cablerunning along the bottom or floor frame of the electrified vehicle.

In some implementations, the electrical connection assembly includes aplurality of electrical backbone wire cables, and wherein at least aportion of the plurality of electrical backbone wire cables are directlyconnected to each other via a bypass system such that power or datacircuits unneeded by the electronic module bypass the electronic module.In some implementations, each modular electrical connector is positionedin an upward direction such that the corresponding electrical connectorintegrated into or attached to the electronic module is verticallyinstallable therewith.

In some implementations, the mechanical mount assembly is formed ofsheet metal and is integrated into a sheet metal portion of the bottomor floor frame of the electrified vehicle. In some implementations, themethod further comprises providing a set of heat transfer devicesconfigured to transfer heat energy away from the electronic module,wherein the set of heat transfer devices are a set of one or more heattransfer pads that transfer heat energy from the electronic module tothe sheet metal portion of the bottom or floor frame of the electrifiedvehicle.

In some implementations, the electronic module defines a set of one ormore robotic installation features, and further comprising interacting,by an end effector of a robotic installer, with the set of one or morerobotic installation features and lowering, by the robotic installer,the electronic module into the mechanical mount assembly until it issecured therein by the mount CPA feature. In some implementations, themethod further comprises using, by a human technician or the roboticinstaller, a special physical tool to free the electronic module fromthe mechanical mount assembly such that it can be removed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a self-aligningmechanical mount and electrical connection system for an electronicmodule is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the systemcomprises a mechanical mount assembly means for integration into orattachment to a base frame and defining a mount CPA feature means forself-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein, and anelectrical connection assembly means for integration into or attachmentto the mechanical mount assembly means, and comprising a modularelectrical connector means for (i) being electrically connected to anelectrical backbone wire cable means and (ii) defining a connector CPAfeature means for self-aligning the modular electrical connector meanswith a corresponding electrical connector means integrated into orattached to the electronic module when the electronic module is securedin the mechanical mount assembly means.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, asubstantially flat electrical backbone wire cable is presented. In oneexemplary implementation, the substantially flat electrical backbonewire cable comprises: a substantially flat power cable portioncomprising a first set of dielectric insulation layers, a firstshielding layer surrounded by at least some of the first set ofdielectric insulation layers except for an exposed first shielding layerportion, a ground layer surrounded by at least some of the first set ofdielectric insulation layers except for an exposed ground layer portion,and a power bus layer disposed between the first shielding and groundlayers and surrounded by at least some of the first set of dielectricinsulation layers except for an exposed power bus layer portion, and asubstantially flat data cable portion substantially parallel andproximate to the substantially flat power cable portion and comprising asecond set of dielectric insulation layers, second shielding layerssurrounded by at least some of the second set of dielectric insulationlayers except for exposed second shielding layer portions, and a set ofdata trace layers substantially parallel to each other and disposedbetween the second shielding layers and surrounded by at least some ofthe second set of dielectric insulation layers except for a set ofexposed data trace layer portions.

In some implementations, at least one of: (i) the exposed firstshielding, ground, and power bus layer portions are arranged in asequential, vertically stepped, or staggered configuration, and (ii) theexposed second shielding and set of data trace layer portions arearranged in a sequential, vertically stepped, or staggeredconfiguration. In some implementations, the exposed first shielding,ground, and power bus layer portions are arranged in a sequential,vertically stepped, or staggered configuration, and the exposed secondshielding and set of exposed data trace layer portions are arranged in asequential, vertically stepped, or staggered configuration.

In some implementations, the electrical backbone wire cable furthercomprises at least one U-shaped electrical connector electricallycontacting each of the exposed first and second shielding, ground, powerbus, and data trace layer portions. In some implementations, a widebottom portion of each U-shaped electrical connector electricallycontacts each of the exposed first and second shielding, ground, powerbus, and data trace layer portions. In some implementations, theelectrical backbone wire cable further comprises a modular electricalconnector having the U-shaped electrical connectors integrated thereinor having the U-shaped electrical connectors electrically connectedthereto. In some implementations, the modular electrical connector isconfigured to be electrically connected to a corresponding electricalconnector of an electronic module.

In some implementations, the electronic module is a controller orcontrol unit of an electrified vehicle. In some implementations, theelectronic module is configured to be physically secured to a bottom orfloor frame of the electrified vehicle, and wherein the electricalbackbone wire cable is configured to be installed along the bottom orfloor frame of the electrified vehicle. In some implementations, anopposing end of the electrical backbone wire cable opposite the modularelectrical connector is electrically connected to another modularelectrical connector that is configured to be electrically connected toanother corresponding electrical connector of another electronic moduleof the electrified vehicle.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples areintended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limitthe scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate views of an example mechanical mount assembly ofa self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system for anelectronic module according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate views of an example assembly of the self-aligningmechanical mount and electrical connection system for the electronicmodule including the mechanical mount of FIGS. 1A-1B according to someimplementations of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a top-down installation of the electronic modulewith the self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection systemof FIGS. 2A-2B according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate example heat transfer devices for theself-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system of FIGS.2A-2B according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate example electronic module bypass systems for theself-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system of FIGS.2A-2B according to some implementations of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate example top-down construction or installation ofelectrical backbone wire cables for connection to the electronic modulevia the self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection systemaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, an example configuration of a mechanicalmount assembly 100 of a self-aligning mechanical mount and electricalconnection system for an electronic module (not shown) according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The mechanicalmount assembly 100 defines a base plate or base member 104 that isconfigured to be physically secured to a base frame. In one exemplaryimplementation, the base frame is a bottom or floor frame of anelectrified vehicle (e.g., an autonomous vehicle), which is likelyformed of a sheet metal (steel, aluminum, etc.). In one exemplaryimplementation, the mechanical mount assembly 100 is formed of the sameor similar type of sheet metal as the bottom or floor frame of theelectrified vehicle such that it could be integrally formed therewith.It will be appreciated, however, that the mechanical mount assembly 100could also be physically attached to the bottom or floor frame, e.g.,using attachment devices 108 defined in the base member 104, and thatthe mechanical mount assembly 100 could also be formed of differentmaterials (e.g., injection molded plastic). The mechanical mountassembly 100 defines first and second sets of mount connection positionassurance (CPA) features 112 a, 112 b. The first set of mount CPAfeatures 112 a are shown as spring clips that are configured to engagewith side surfaces of the electronic module (not shown). The second setof mount CPA features 112 b are also shown as spring clips that areconfigured to provide an upward resistive force on a bottom surface ofthe electronic module (not shown). While spring clips are specificallyshown, it will be appreciated that any suitable CPA features forphysically securing the electrical module (not shown) could be utilized.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B and with continued reference to theprevious FIGS., the mechanical mount assembly 100 also defines a set ofconnector receptacles 116 a, 116 b and first and second sets ofconnector CPA features 120 a, 120 b for each connector receptacle 116 a,116 b. While a rectangular-shaped mechanical mount assembly 100 and twoconnector receptacles 116 a, 116 b are shown, it will be appreciatedthat other electronic module shapes or configurations could beaccommodated for, as well as other configurations and/or quantities ofconnector receptacles. The first set of connector CPA features 120 a areshown as spring clips that are configured to engage with side surfacesof modular electrical connectors 212 a, 212 b, which are electricallyconnected to respective electrical backbone wire cables 208 a, 208 b toform respective electrical connection assemblies 204 (specificallyreferenced and labeled as 204 a, 204 b). The combination of themechanical mount assembly 100 and the one or more electrical connectionassemblies 204 collectively forms one example of the self-aligningmechanical mount and electrical connection system according to someimplementations of the present disclosure, which is hereinafterreferenced as 200. These electrical backbone wire cables 208 a, 208 bare substantially flat wire cables that are configured to transmit atleast power and data (e.g., to/from other electronic modules of theelectrified vehicle). The second set of connector CPA features 120 b arealso shown as spring clips that are configured to provide an upwardresistive force on a bottom surface of the modular electrical connectors212 a, 212 b. When secured in the connector receptacles 116 a, 116 b,the modular electrical connectors 212 a, 212 b will be electricallyconnectable to the electronic module (not shown). It will be appreciatedthat when secured in the connector receptacles 116 a, 116 b, the modularelectrical connectors 212 a, 212 b may still have some degree ofmovability in order to self-align with corresponding electricalconnectors of the electronic module (not shown), which will now bedescribed in greater detail.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B and with continued reference to theprevious FIGS., an example top-down installation of an electronic module300 with the self-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connectionsystem 200 according to some implementations of the present disclosureis illustrated. The electronic module 300 comprises a housing 304 thathouses an electronic system (not shown), which could include one or moreprocessors, memory, and the like. In a bottom surface 308 of the housing304, two electrical connectors 312 a, 312 b are defined, whichcorrespond to modular electrical connectors 212 a, 212 b, respectively.In side surfaces 316 of the housing 304, robotic installation features320 are defined for a robotic top-down installation of the electronicmodule 300. As shown, these robotic installation features are twosquare-shaped protrusions with a slot defined therebetween, which couldbe engaged and temporarily fixed to an end connector of a roboticinstaller (not shown). While side, slot-type robotic installationfeatures are shown, it will be appreciated that any suitable roboticinstallation features could be integrated into the housing 304 or atleast temporarily attached to the housing 304 such that an end effectorof the robotic installer (not shown) can gain movable and secure controlof the electronic module 300 to install it with the electricalconnection system 200. In some implementations, one or more identifierscould be defined in the housing 304 to assist with robotic installation.The term “identifier” as used herein refers to any marking that could beidentified by the robotic installer (not shown), including, but notlimited to, barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, numerical,alphabetical, or alphanumerical strings, or symbols/shapes. For exampleonly, the identifier(s) could be laser etched or engraved onto thehousing 304. As shown, the electronic module 300 comprises anotherrectangular shaped connector 324 on one of its side surfaces 316. Whilenot shown as electrically connecting to any modular electrical connectorof the electrical connection system 200, it will be appreciated that theelectrical connection system 200 could include another suitable modularelectrical connector that could electrically connect to connector 324during installation. For example only, this connector 324 could be usedto connect the electronic module 300 to its respective electricaldevices that it monitors/controls (e.g., RADAR, LIDAR, electric tractionmotors, and the like).

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B and with continued reference to theprevious FIGS., example heat transfer devices 400 for the self-aligningmechanical mount and electrical connection system 200 according to someimplementations of the present disclosure are illustrated. Each of theseheat transfer devices 400 is configured to transfer or dissipate heatenergy from the electronic module 300 and/or the one or more electricalconnection assemblies 204 (e.g., modular electrical connectors 212 a,212 b). These heat transfer devices 400 could be formed of any suitablematerial configured to transfer heat energy therethrough. By operatingas a heat removal or heat sink, these heat transfer devices 400 are ableto prevent potential damage to any of the components (e.g., electronicmodule 300) due to excessive heat energy. This could be particularlyuseful in an autonomous electrified vehicle application where a largeamount of power and data is constantly flowing through the systems. InFIG. 4A, two of the heat transfer devices 400 a, 400 b are visible,which are associated with the electronic module 300 when it is installedin the electrical connection system 200. In FIG. 4B, the first two heattransfer devices 400 a, 400 b are still visible, whereas two additionalheat transfer devices 400 c, 400 d associated with modular electricalconnectors 212 a, 212 b, respectively, are also visible. While theseheat transfer devices 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, 400 d (collectively, heattransfer devices 400) are shown as heat transfer pads 400 a, 400 brecessed in respective indentations or apertures defined in the basemember 104 of the mechanical mount assembly 100, it will be appreciatedthat other types and/or configurations for the heat transfer devices 400(active or passive) could be utilized. It will also be appreciated thata more complex heat transfer system could be utilized, or additionalcomponentry that is not illustrated could be utilized. This couldinclude, for example only, active cooling or heat transfer componentssuch as air-based cooling components (e.g., fans or radiators) and/orliquid-based cooling components (water jackets, pumps,condensers/evaporators, refrigerant lines, etc.)

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C and with continued reference to theprevious FIGS., example electronic module bypass systems 500 for theself-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection system 200according to some implementations of the present disclosure areillustrated. Each of these electronic module bypass systems 500effectively bypasses the electronic module 300 with at least someportions of electrical backbone wire cables 208 a, 208 b. For exampleonly, some electronic modules may not need all of the power and/or thedata that is being carried along certain electrical backbone wirecables. In FIG. 5A, a first example electronic module bypass system 500a is illustrated. As shown, this electronic module bypass system 500 ais a substantially flat wire cable that runs along the base member 104and directly connects at least portions of the modular electricalconnectors 212 a, 212 b, thereby bypassing the electronic module 300when installed. The substantially flat shape of the electronic modulebypass system 500 a also will not affect the installation of theelectronic module 300 into the electrical connection system 200. FIGS.5B-5C illustrate two other example electronic module bypass systems 500b, 500 c that are disposed or arranged outside of the mechanical mountassembly 100. In FIG. 5B, the electronic module bypass system 500 b is asubstantially flat wire cable that directly connects at least portionsof electrical backbone wire cables 208 a, 208 b (thus bypassing both theelectronic module 300 and the modular electrical connectors 212 a, 212b). In FIG. 5C, the electronic module bypass system 500 c is asubstantially flat wire cable that directly connects at least portionsof modular electrical connector 212 a with electrical backbone wirecable 208 b (thus bypassing both the electronic module 300 and modularelectrical connector 212 b). It will be appreciated that the reverseconfiguration of FIG. 5C could be utilized. It will also be appreciatedthat these electronic module bypass systems 500 could be round (e.g.,coaxial) cables instead of substantially flat band-type cables, althoughthe substantially flat band-type cables may be preferable for packagingreasons (e.g., fold flat during shipping and prior to installation).

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B and with continued reference to theprevious FIGS., an example top-down construction or installation of aportion 600 of one of the electrical backbone wire cables 208 thatconnects to the electronic module 300 via the self-aligning mechanicalmount and electrical connection system 200 according to someimplementations of the present disclosure is illustrated. In FIG. 6A,substantially flat shield and ground layers 608 have been laid with asubstantially flat power bus layer laid therebetween. For example, theselayers 604, 608 could be laid onto a surface in a top-down manner suchthat the layers are stacked together. Layers 604, 608 and dielectricinsulation layer(s) 612 could also be referred to collectively as apower cable portion of the electrical backbone wire cable 208. Also inFIG. 6A, substantially flat data shield layers 620 have been laid withsubstantially flat data trace layers 616 laid therebetween. For example,these layers 616, 620 could be laid onto the same surface in a top-downmanner such that the layers are stacked together and are positioned veryclose to the other stacked layers 604, 408. Layers 612, 616, and 620could also be referred to collectively as a data cable portion of theelectrical backbone wire cable 208. In addition, the ends of theselayers 604, 608 and 612, 216 could be terminated at different lengths inorder to provide top-down or vertical connection points for each layer604, 608 and 612, 616, which will be described in greater detail below.This is also described herein as a sequential, vertical stepped orstaggered configuration. In other words, the bottommost layer in eachstack extends the furthest, with each layer there above extending ashorter distance but also a longer distance than the layer above it.Each layer 604, 608, 616, 620 could also be fully insulated by therespective dielectric insulation layer(s) 612. This top-down layering toform the portion 600 of the electrical backbone wire cable 208 providesfor a substantially flat electrical backbone wire cable 208, which savespackaging space, while also providing optimal electrical connectivity.FIG. 6B illustrates the top-down electrical connectivity to the exposedportions of layers 604, 608, 616, and 620. As shown, U-shaped electricalconnectors 624, 628, 632, 636 vertically contact layers 604, 608, 616,620, respectively, with the wide bottom portion of each U-shapedelectrical connector 624, 628, 632, 636 flatly contacting eachrespective layer 604, 608, 616, 620 to provide the above-describedoptimal electrical connectivity. Each of these U-shaped electricalconnectors 624, 628, 632, 636, for example, could be integrated into orelectrically connected to a respective one of the modular electricalconnectors 212 a or 212 b. It will also be appreciated that theelectrical backbone wire cable 208 could also include other wiring, suchas one or more round coaxial cables running along top of the flat layersdescribed above.

While a specific vertical or top-down installation of an electronicmodule at a bottom or floor frame of an electrified vehicle isspecifically described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciatedthat there could be a variety of other applications for theself-aligning mechanical mount and electrical connection systemaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. First, othermounting and installation configurations could be utilized(side/lateral, bottom-up, angled, etc.). One example alternativeimplementation would be at a vehicle firewall (i.e., between the vehiclecabin and the powertrain compartment) where wire cable pass through istypically performed manually by a human through a small opening. Usingthe system of the present disclosure, the system could be provided onone side of the opening or integrated therewith, and a robotic or humaninstaller could then install a corresponding electronic module therewithin a single operation. Other non-limiting examples of vehicleapplications include door electrical systems and correspondingelectronic modules, vehicle dash/infotainment system electrical systemsand corresponding electronic modules, and vehicle trunk electricalsystems and corresponding electrical modules. Even further, it will beappreciated that a single system could accept multiple electronicmodules, which could interface with each other or could be operatedseparately. For example, a single system could accept correspondingelectronic sub-modules on two opposing sides, thereby electricallyconnecting two systems (e.g., the two electronic sub-modules could thenfunction as one).

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known procedures,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and thereforespecify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps,processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed asnecessarily requiring their performance in the particular orderdiscussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order ofperformance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternativesteps may be employed.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

As used herein, the term electronic module may refer to, be part of, orinclude: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); anelectronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmablegate array (FPGA); a processor or a distributed network of processors(shared, dedicated, or grouped) and storage in networked clusters ordatacenters that executes code or a process; other suitable componentsthat provide the described functionality; or a combination of some orall of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. The term module may alsoinclude memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executedby the one or more processors.

The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, byte-codeand/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions,classes, and/or objects. The term shared, as used above, means that someor all code from multiple modules may be executed using a single(shared) processor. In addition, some or all code from multiple modulesmay be stored by a single (shared) memory. The term group, as usedabove, means that some or all code from a single module may be executedusing a group of processors. In addition, some or all code from a singlemodule may be stored using a group of memories.

The techniques described herein may be implemented by one or morecomputer programs executed by one or more processors. The computerprograms include processor-executable instructions that are stored on anon-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programsmay also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of thenon-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory,magnetic storage, and optical storage.

Some portions of the above description present the techniques describedherein in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operationson information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations arethe means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to mosteffectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in theart. These operations, while described functionally or logically, areunderstood to be implemented by computer programs. Furthermore, it hasalso proven convenient at times to refer to these arrangements ofoperations as modules or by functional names, without loss ofgenerality.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the abovediscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system memories orregisters or other such information storage, transmission or displaydevices.

Certain aspects of the described techniques include process steps andinstructions described herein in the form of an algorithm. It should benoted that the described process steps and instructions could beembodied in software, firmware or hardware, and when embodied insoftware, could be downloaded to reside on and be operated fromdifferent platforms used by real time network operating systems.

The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on acomputer readable medium that can be accessed by the computer. Such acomputer program may be stored in a tangible computer readable storagemedium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk includingfloppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-onlymemories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs,magnetic or optical cards, application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), or any type of media suitable for storing electronicinstructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore,the computers referred to in the specification may include a singleprocessor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designsfor increased computing capability.

The algorithms and operations presented herein are not inherentlyrelated to any particular computer or other apparatus. Variousgeneral-purpose systems may also be used with programs in accordancewith the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct morespecialized apparatuses to perform the required method steps. Therequired structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent tothose of skill in the art, along with equivalent variations. Inaddition, the present disclosure is not described with reference to anyparticular programming language. It is appreciated that a variety ofprogramming languages may be used to implement the teachings of thepresent disclosure as described herein, and any references to specificlanguages are provided for disclosure of enablement and best mode of thepresent invention.

The present disclosure is well suited to a wide variety of computernetwork systems over numerous topologies. Within this field, theconfiguration and management of large networks comprise storage devicesand computers that are communicatively coupled to dissimilar computersand storage devices over a network, such as the Internet.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. (canceled)
 2. A self-aligning mechanical mount and electricalconnection system for an electronic module, the system comprising: amechanical mount assembly configured to be integrated into or attachedto a base frame, and defining a mount connection position assurance(CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic moduletherein; and an electrical connection assembly: configured to beintegrated into or attached to the mechanical mount assembly, andcomprising at least one modular electrical connector each (i) beingelectrically connected to an electrical backbone wire cable and (ii)defining a connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modularelectrical connector with a corresponding electrical connectorintegrated into or attached to the electronic module.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the electrical backbone wire cable comprises at leastpower wire cables and data wire cables, wherein the system includes aplurality of electrical backbone wire cables, and wherein at least aportion of the plurality of electrical backbone wire cables are directlyconnected to each other via a bypass system such that power or datacircuits unneeded by the electronic module bypass the electronic module.4. The system of claim 2, wherein each modular electrical connector ispositioned in an upward direction and each corresponding electricalconnector is integrated into or attached to a bottom surface of theelectronic module such that the electronic module is verticallyinstallable therewith.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the electronicmodule defines a set of one or more robotic installation features thatare configured to be interacted with by an end effector of a roboticinstaller to lower the electronic module into the mechanical mountassembly until each modular electrical connector is secured therein toits respective corresponding electrical connector by the respectiveconnector CPA feature.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each modularelectrical connector is secured therein to its respective correspondingelectrical connector by the respective connector CPA feature while theelectronic module is being lowered into the mechanical mount assembly.7. The system of claim 6, wherein each modular electrical connector issecured therein to its respective corresponding electrical connector bythe respective connector CPA feature before the electronic module issecured therein the mechanical mount assembly by the mount CPA feature.8. The system of claim 6, wherein each modular electrical connector issecured therein to its respective corresponding electrical connector bythe respective connector CPA feature while the electronic module is alsosecured therein the mechanical mount assembly by the mount CPA feature.9. The system of claim 2, wherein the mechanical mount assembly isformed of sheet metal and is integrated into a sheet metal portion ofthe bottom or floor frame of the electrified vehicle, and furthercomprising a set of heat transfer devices configured to transfer heatenergy away from the electronic module.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the set of heat transfer devices are a set of one or more heattransfer pads that transfer heat energy from the electronic module tothe sheet metal portion of the bottom or floor frame of the electrifiedvehicle.
 11. A method of mechanically mounting and aligning andelectrically connecting an electronic module, the method comprising:providing a mechanical mount assembly: configured to be integrated intoor attached to a base frame, and defining a mount connection positionassurance (CPA) feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronicmodule therein; and providing an electrical connection assembly:configured to be integrated into or attached to the mechanical mountassembly, and comprising at least one modular electrical connector each(i) being electrically connected to an electrical backbone wire cableand (ii) defining a connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modularelectrical connector with a corresponding electrical connectorintegrated into or attached to the electronic module.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the electrical backbone wire cable comprises at leastpower wire cables and data wire cables, and further comprising providinga plurality of electrical backbone wire cables, wherein at least aportion of the plurality of electrical backbone wire cables are directlyconnected to each other via a bypass system such that power or datacircuits unneeded by the electronic module bypass the electronic module.13. The method of claim 11, wherein each modular electrical connector ispositioned in an upward direction and each corresponding electricalconnector is integrated into or attached to a bottom surface of theelectronic module such that the electronic module is verticallyinstallable therewith.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theelectronic module defines a set of one or more robotic installationfeatures, and further comprising interacting, by an end effector of arobotic installer, with the set of robotic installation features tolower the electronic module into the mechanical mount assembly untileach modular electrical connector is secured therein to its respectivecorresponding electrical connector by the respective connector CPAfeature.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each modular electricalconnector is secured therein to its respective corresponding electricalconnector by the respective connector CPA feature while the electronicmodule is being lowered into the mechanical mount assembly.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein each modular electrical connector is securedtherein to its respective corresponding electrical connector by therespective connector CPA feature before the electronic module is securedtherein the mechanical mount assembly by the mount CPA feature.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein each modular electrical connector is securedtherein to its respective corresponding electrical connector by therespective connector CPA feature while the electronic module is alsosecured therein the mechanical mount assembly by the mount CPA feature.18. The method of claim 11, wherein the mechanical mount assembly isformed of sheet metal and is integrated into a sheet metal portion ofthe bottom or floor frame of the electrified vehicle, and furthercomprising providing a set of heat transfer devices configured totransfer heat energy away from the electronic module.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 wherein the set of heat transfer devices are a set of one ormore heat transfer pads that transfer heat energy from the electronicmodule to the sheet metal portion of the bottom or floor frame of theelectrified vehicle.
 20. A self-aligning mechanical mount and electricalconnection system for an electronic module, the system comprising: amechanical mount assembly means for integration into or attachment to abase frame, and for defining a mount connection position assurance (CPA)feature for self-aligning and securing of the electronic module therein;and an electrical connection assembly means: for integration into orattachment to the mechanical mount assembly means, and comprising atleast one modular electrical connector means each for (i) electricallyconnecting to an electrical backbone wire cable means and (ii) defininga connector CPA feature for self-aligning the modular electricalconnector with a corresponding electrical connector integrated into orattached to the electronic module.
 21. The system of claim 20, whereinthe electrical backbone wire cable means comprises at least power wirecable means and data wire cable means, wherein the system includes aplurality of electrical backbone wire cable means, and wherein at leasta portion of the plurality of electrical backbone wire cable means fordirectly connecting to each other via a bypass system means such thatpower or data circuits unneeded by the electronic module bypass theelectronic module.